When was the road through Tihuța Pass built?
Romania, europe
17.5 km
1,201 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Transylvania, Romania, and you hit the DN17, also known as the E58. Buckle up, because you're about to climb Pasul Tihuța, or Tihuța Pass! This baby sits pretty at 1,201 meters (3,940 feet) above sea level in the Bârgău Mountains.
This road isn't exactly new; the first version was built way back in the early 1800s, but don't worry, it's paved now! The pass stretches for about 17.5 km (10.87 miles) from Piatra Fântânele to Poiana Stampei, marking the old border between Moldavia and Transylvania. Get ready for some steep sections, too—we're talking gradients up to 12% in places!
So, why is this pass so famous? Well, Bram Stoker's "Dracula" put it on the map as "the Borgo Pass," the entrance to Dracula's spooky domain.
There used to be a "Castel Dracula" hotel nearby, claiming to be the spot Stoker envisioned for the Count's castle, but it was more about the views than accuracy. Sadly, that hotel is permanently closed. But fear not, at the summit you can still grab a bite at Hotel Cota 1201. Get ready for some serious Transylvanian vibes!
Road Details
- Country
- Romania
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 17.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,201 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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